Educator and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk delivered his first video message after ending a 26-day hunger strike. According to the report, he withdrew the fast late Thursday after assurances from the central government. In a video message on Friday morning, Wangchuk said the fast had ended and that the next phase was accountability.

Wangchuk said the government had provided several important written assurances. The most significant, he said, was that students who participated in peaceful protests would not face punitive action. He also said the issue of accountability over examination paper leaks would be raised in Parliament for discussion with all political parties. The central government also assured appropriate compensation for families of examination candidates who died by suicide in connection with the recent paper leak case.

Wangchuk said the movement was not over and that its future would depend on how effectively the assurances were implemented. He urged protesters to continue their demonstrations through peaceful and democratic means.